You can join public, self-hosted instances of applications for various purposes, such as using a shared Jellyfin media server, a Nextcloud instance for file sharing, or a public Gitea or Forgejo instance for code hosting. Additionally, you can use a self-hosted instance as a central hub to manage and monitor other resources, or join instances that are designed for specific functions like network performance testing (Open Speed Test) or ad blocking (AdGuard Home). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
For general use
- Nextcloud: A collaboration platform for file sharing, calendar, contacts, and more. You can join a public instance or host your own.
- Jellyfin: A free and open-source media server that allows you to manage and stream your personal media library.
- Gitea / Forgejo: Self-hosted Git services that provide alternatives to platforms like GitHub for managing code repositories.
- Immich: An open-source, self-hosted photo and video backup solution.
- Hoarder: A self-hosted bookmark manager that also archives web pages, notes, and images, with features similar to a private Pinterest. [1, 2, 4, 7, 8]
For technical management and control
- Home Assistant: A platform for home automation that allows you to manage and control smart home devices.
- AdGuard Home: A network-level ad and tracker blocker that enhances privacy and security across your entire network.
- Open Speed Test: A web-based tool to test network performance, including download speed, upload speed, and latency.
- Fleet Application Management: A service from Oracle that uses a self-hosted instance as a central hub to monitor and manage other resources. [1, 3, 5, 6, 9]
For specific tasks
- Penpot: An open-source design and prototyping platform.
- ConvertX: A self-hosted file converter that can convert various types of files, such as photos, videos, and audio.
- Firefly III: A personal finance manager for tracking budgets, bills, and savings. [10, 11, 12]
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] https://perfectmediaserver.com/04-day-two/top10apps/
[2] https://selfh.st/weekly/2025-08-15/
[3] https://docs.oracle.com/en-us/iaas/Content/fleet-management/self-hosted-instances.htm
[4] https://nextcloud.com/home-users/
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOimlFc4Ngo
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIqYSPtW0hc
[7] https://www.xda-developers.com/i-use-these-7-self-hosted-apps-instead-of-google-drive-notion-and-more/
[8] https://www.nocobase.com/en/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-awesome-self-hosted-solutions
[9] https://fullmetalbrackets.com/blog/how-i-setup-home-server/
[10] https://penpot.app/self-host
[11] https://www.xda-developers.com/essential-self-hosted-services-i-run-247/
[12] https://www.xda-developers.com/self-hosted-services-now-love/